Patent Application
20200214265
The invention relates to a method and system for monitoring the development of animals in time, such as monitoring the growth of animals. In particular, this is about farm animals such as calves and piglets. In particular, the invention relates to the monitoring of a multiplicity of animals in a collective space such as a pen or barn space.
Growth of an animal such as a calf is crucial in calf rearing. Especially in the first three months of life, nothing is left undone to initiate the proper growth curve. Accordingly, the growth of a calf is closely watched by stock farmers. There are various known methods by which a farmer monitors the growth of a calf. Typically, known methods comprise physically separating a calf from other calves and weighing the calf using scales. On the scales, usually, only the front part of the body is weighed. The farmer then compares the weight of the previous measurement with the new measurement and derives from this a particular growth of the calf. The farmer then concludes on the basis of the determined growth whether the calf is growing as desired, or that there is stagnation or other deviation in growth. Such methods are particularly time intensive and have to be performed individually by the farmer. Data points in respect of growth that are collected by the farmer are sometimes not sufficiently frequent when the farmer keeps large numbers of calves. Further, the data points collected may contain measuring inaccuracies which are in or around the same order of magnitude as the measured growth. Especially the first eight weeks after birth of the calf, and in particular the first two weeks, are decisive for the growth of a calf. It may happen that stagnation of growth of a calf is recognized later than the (part of a) day when the stagnation of growth occurs. This may then have adverse consequences for the future growth and the welfare of the calf. A similar thing applies to other farm animals such as piglets.
Further, also when an animal is adult, it is important to follow the development of an animal in time. In this manner, for example, defects and diseases can be found in the animals.
It is an object of the invention to provide a method and a system whereby a farmer is enabled to determine the development in time such as growth, accurately and efficiently, that is, relatively little labor-intensively. This makes it possible to intervene in a timely manner, for example in the nutrition of an animal such as a calf or piglet, in a critical period of the development of the animal. It is further an object of the invention to offer a farmer accurate insight into the development in time of the animal, such as the growth of the animal. It is further also an object to provide an ameliorated method and system for monitoring the development in time of an animal (such as a calf or piglet) in the presence of a group of such animals.
To this end, the invention provides a method and systems. By virtue of the steps a.-f., animals do not need to be individually measured or weighed. The method further comprises step g. in which the steps d.-f. are repeated when the animal appears in the image again. As a result, a large number of measurements can be done within a relatively short period of time. The method further comprises also the step h. to gain insight into the development of the animal in time, such as the growth of the animal.
Optionally, the collected information is, preferably with the first computer, compared with a predetermined development curve of the animal such as a growth curve. The development curve relates, for example, to a development of a condition parameter of an animal in time, such as a weight parameter, volume parameter or length parameter of the animal or of a weight parameter, volume parameter or length parameter of a part of the body of the animal, such as the torso. A length parameter relates, for example, to a length, height or width of the animal or of a part of the body of the animal. The development curve can cover, for example, the entire life of the animal or the period of the animal where it is adult or a period of the animal where it is still growing until the animal is full-grown. The growth curve relates, for example, to a development of a growth parameter of an animal in time. The growth parameter is for example a weight parameter, volume parameter and/or length parameter of the animal or of a part of the body of the animal, such as the torso. A length parameter, for example, again relates to a length, height or width of the animal or of a part of the body of the animal.
The growth curve can cover, for example, the first weeks and/or months after birth of an animal. Optionally, the predetermined growth curve is a minimum expected growth curve of a healthy animal. Preferably, with the first computer, an attention signal is generated when the collected information deviates from the development curve such as the growth curve, for example when such deviation meets a predetermined criterion.
Optionally, a predetermined criterion is that the deviation is greater than an acceptable difference (such as 5%, 10%, 15%, 20% or 25%) between collected information and the development curve such as the growth curve at a corresponding point in time. The deviation can reflect an extent of lag in development of the animal. An advantage is that deviating developments can be noticed. In particular, it holds that the first computer is so configured that an attention signal is generated when the animal information collected in time (which represents the development of the animal in time) deviates relative to the development curve, more particularly, that the first computer is so configured that an attention signal is generated when a growth of the animal lags behind the growth curve.
The attention signal is generated, for example, when an estimated growth parameter at a point in time is lower than a same growth parameter according to the predetermined growth curve at a corresponding point in time. Also, or instead, the attention signal may be generated, for example, when the change of an estimated growth parameter at a particular point in time is lower than the change of a same growth parameter according to the predetermined growth curve at a corresponding point in time. A change of an estimated growth parameter can be determined, for example, by comparing an estimated growth parameter with a previously estimated growth parameter.
Optionally, the attention signal comprises the identity determined in step e.
Optionally, step e. is carried out with a reader for wirelessly reading out the tags, the animals being each provided with a tag which comprises information about an identity of an animal. The reader and the tag are preferably of the RFID and/or UHF type. An RFID tag is a passive tag, known per se, which obtains its energy from the interrogation field which is emitted by the (RFID) reader. A UHF tag is provided with a transmitter which transmits on the UHF band to transfer information to the reader and to that end is provided with its own energy source such as a battery.
Optionally, the reader is so disposed that in step e. the identity of an animal is determined which is at such a position in the image that this animal in step d. is recognized in the image.
Optionally, in step b. the area comprises just a part of the at least one space where the animals can be.
Optionally, the area has such dimensions that a multiplicity of animals may be in it at the same time. Preferably, the area has a surface area which is in the range of 10-400 m2, in particular 15-100 m2.
Optionally, it holds that the area has such dimensions that A animals may be in it at the same time, with A being in the range of 1-10,000, in particular 1-1,000, more particularly 1-100, and still more particularly 1-50.
Optionally, with the at least one 3D camera and/or the multiplicity of cameras respectively areas of a multiplicity of spaces such as pens are covered.
Optionally, the signal processing unit is part of the first computer, while optionally the signal processing unit and/or the first computer are in a cloud.
Optionally, each animal is furthermore provided with at least one sensor for determining the behavior of the animal of which in step e. the identity has been determined, the behavior comprising, for example, a condition, such as walking, lying, eating and ruminating. The behavior may further comprise information about when particular conditions occur spread in time. The information obtained with the at least one sensor about the behavior of the animal may be used by a farmer in an analysis of the animal in combination with the information collected in step h with reference to the predetermined growth curve.
Optionally, the information about the behavior of the animal obtained with the sensors is used to adjust the predetermined criterion, for example such that underweight of the animal is detected at a smaller deviation when it already appears earlier from the determined behavior that the animal eats relatively little, or less often, and vice versa.
Optionally, the system according to the invention further includes at least one identification unit such as a reader for carrying out step e. The reader is preferably an RFID reader and/or UHF reader. Preferably, the system also includes a tag of a type that can be read out by the reader concerned so that the identity of an animal can be determined with the reader. Optionally, the first computer of the system is configured to compare the collected information with a predetermined development curve such as a growth curve. The first computer is further configured to generate an attention signal when the collected information deviates from the development curve such as the growth curve, with the deviation meeting a predetermined criterion.
Optionally, the first computer is so configured that an attention signal is generated when a growth of the animal lags behind the growth curve.
Optionally, the attention signal comprises the identity determined with the identification unit. The attention signal can take diverse forms such as an electronic signal, a wireless transmitter signal, an audio signal and a visible signal.
Optionally, the identification unit comprises a reader. The system may furthermore include a multiplicity of tags, the animals being each provided with a tag which comprises information about an identity of an animal. The reader and the multiplicity of tags are preferably of the RFID and/or UHF type.
Optionally, the identification unit is so disposed that, in use, the identity of an animal is determined when it is at such a position in the image that this animal is recognized in the image with the signal processing means, in use.
Optionally, the 3D camera and/or the multiplicity of cameras are so configured and/or disposed that, in use, the area comprises only a part of the at least one space where the animals can be in the pen.
Optionally, the area of the system has such dimensions that a multiplicity of animals may be present in it at the same time while, preferably, the area has a surface area which is in the range of 10-400 m2, in particular 15-100 m2.
Optionally, it holds that the area has such dimensions that A animals may be in it at the same time, with A being in the range of 1-10,000, in particular 1-1,000, more particularly 1-100, still more particularly 1-50.
Optionally, the at least one 3D camera and/or the multiplicity of cameras are so disposed that respectively a multiplicity of spaces such as a multiplicity of pens is covered.
Optionally, the signal processing unit is part of the first computer. Optionally, the signal processing unit and/or the first computer are in a cloud.
Optionally, the system furthermore includes sensors, while, in use, each animal is furthermore provided with at least one of the sensors for determining the behavior of the animal, the behavior concerning, for example, a condition which the animal is in, such as walking, lying, eating and/or ruminating, and/or information about when particular conditions occur spread in time. The at least one sensor is, for example, a motion sensor. The first computer is further configured for, in use, utilizing the information about the behavior of the animal obtained with the sensors in comparing the collected information with the predetermined development curve such as the growth curve.
Optionally, the first computer is configured for, in use, utilizing the information about the behavior of the animal obtained with the at least one sensor to adjust the predetermined criterion, for example such that, in use, underweight of the animal is detected at a smaller deviation when it already appears earlier from the determined behavior that the animal eats relatively little, or less often, and vice versa.
The invention will be further clarified with reference to the drawing. The detailed description provides examples of possible modes of use of the invention. These modes of use should not be considered to be the only possible embodiments that fall under the ambit of the invention. The scope of the invention is defined in the claims, and the description should be regarded as being illustrative without thereby limiting the invention.
The system 1 furthermore comprises a first computer 11.1 configured to collect, at different points in time, information obtained about the at least one growth parameter of the identified recognized calf 2.i, so as to obtain insight into the growth of the recognized calf 2.i in time. In this example, the signal processing unit 9 is part of the first computer 11.1, but this is entirely optional. The first computer 11.1 is optionally also configured to compare the collected information with a predetermined growth curve. For example, the at least one growth parameter of the recognized calf 2.i at one point in time can be compared with at least one reference growth parameter at a corresponding point in time of the predetermined growth curve. The predetermined growth curve may then be representative, for example, of an expected development in growth, such as a minimum expected development, of the at least one growth parameter of a healthy calf in time. The first computer 11.1 may then be configured to generate an attention signal when the collected information deviates from the predetermined growth curve to the extent that the deviation meets a predetermined criterion. Optionally, a predetermined criterion is that the deviation mentioned is greater than an acceptable difference between collected information and the growth curve at a corresponding point in time, such as 5%, 10%, 15%, 20% or 25%, and the deviation is a negative deviation and hence reflects a lag in the development of the calf 2.i.
The attention signal is optionally a digital notification about a predetermined criterion being met, which can be observed via a human interface such as a computer, tablet or mobile phone (not represented, but conventional). The attention signal optionally comprises the identity of the recognized calf 2.i. In this example, the identification unit 13 is so disposed that the calf 2.i which is identified is also recognized in the 3D image and vice versa. The camera system 5 is further so configured that the area 7 comprises only a part of the total area (the space in the pen 3) where the calves can be. The area 7 in this example has such dimensions that A calves may be in it at the same time. ‘A’ is then in the range of 1-10,000, preferably 1-1,000, more preferably 1-100, and still more preferably 1-50. In this example N is less than or equal to A. The area 7 has a surface area which is in the range of 10-400 m2, in particular in the range of 15-100 m2. The signal processing unit 9 and the first computer 11.1 are in a cloud 17, such as virtually on a distant server. This, however, is entirely optional and indicated with a dotted line.
Each calf 2.i carries one of the behavior sensors 19.i for determining the behavior of the respective calf. The behavior comprises, for example, a condition which the calf 2.i is in, such as walking, lying, eating and/or ruminating, and/or information about when particular conditions occur, spread in time. The first computer 11.1 is further configured for, in use, utilizing the information about the behavior of the calf 2.i obtained with the behavior sensor 19.i in comparing the collected information with the predetermined growth curve. The behavior sensors 19.i and the first computer 11.1 are configured to be communicatively connected via, for example, a wireless network i. In this example, the first computer 11.1 is not in the cloud 17 (represented in
In a first step 101, the multiplicity of calves 2.i are gathered together in the at least one collective pen 3 (
In the second step 102, a 3D image of an area 7 is obtained within the at least one pen 3, 3.1, 3.2 with the aid of the camera system 5, while the calves can be within the area. The second step 102 leads to a third step 103.
In the third step 103, information about the 3D image of the area 7 is supplied to the signal processing unit 9. The third step 103 leads to a fourth step 104.
In the fourth step 104, with the signal processing unit 9, according to the first predetermined algorithm, the calf 2.i is recognized in the 3D image. The fourth step 104 leads to a fifth step 105.
In the fifth step 105, the identity of the calf 2.i in the 3D image is determined. The calf 2.i, which is recognized in the 3D image is the same calf that is identified, and vice versa. The fifth step 105 leads to a sixth step 106.
In the sixth step 106, with the signal processing unit 9, on the basis of a 3D image obtained and supplied in the third step 103, of the calf 2.i recognized in the fourth step 104, within the 3D image of the area 7, according to the second predetermined algorithm, the at least one growth parameter is estimated. The sixth step 106 leads to a seventh step 107 and an eighth step 108.
In the seventh step 107 it is determined that the recognized and identified calf 2.i has reappeared in the 3D image of the area 7 again. The seventh step 107 leads to the first step 101.
In the eighth step 108, with the aid of the first computer 11.1, the information obtained in the fourth step 104 through the seventh step 107 is collected to gain insight into the growth of the calf 2.i in time.
In this method 100, preferably with the first computer 11.1, the collected information can be compared with a predetermined growth curve. Preferably, the eighth step 108 leads to an optional ninth step 109.
In the optional step 109, with the first computer 11.1, an attention signal is generated when the collected information deviates from the growth curve when the deviation meets the predetermined criterion. It will be clear that the steps as described above do not necessarily need to take place in this same order. Also, other steps may take place.
In the case where each calf 2.i is provided with sensors 19.i for determining the behavior of each calf 2.i whose identity has been determined in the fifth step 105, information about the behavior of the calf 2.i obtained with the sensor 19.i can be used in comparing the information collected in the eighth step 108 with the predetermined growth curve. The information about the behavior of the calf 2.i can then be used to adjust the predetermined criterion. One predetermined criterion is, optionally, that the deviation in absolute terms is greater than an acceptable difference between collected information and the growth curve at a corresponding point in time, such as 5%, 10%, 15%, 20% or 25%, with the deviation being such that the information deviates negatively relative to the growth curve. Adjusting the predetermined criterion could be done, for example, by reducing the acceptable difference. For example, this may be done such that underweight of the calf 2.i is detected at a smaller deviation when it already appears earlier from the determined behavior that the calf 2.i eats relatively little or less often, and vice versa.
For the sake of the clarity and conciseness of the description, features are herein described as part of the same or of separate embodiments. It will be clear to those skilled in the art that embodiments comprising combinations of any or all of the features described also fall within the scope of protection of the invention. Within the purview of those skilled in the art, modifications are possible which are understood to be within the scope of the protection. For example, the calves, instead of being in a pen, can also be in a barn space where they can move freely. Other spaces than pens hence also fall within the framework of the invention. In the example given, the growth of an animal is monitored, which then involves determining a growth parameter and a growth curve. It is also possible, however, to monitor a development parameter of the animal and to compare it with an associated development curve. The development parameter can then, again, be a weight parameter, volume parameter or length parameter of the animal or of a part of the body of the animal as discussed before. The development curve can then again relate to the expected normal development of one or more development parameters in time. A growth curve is a development curve for animals still growing. A development curve, however, is a broader concept which can also relate to the entire lifespan of an animal or just to the period when animal is adult. In the latter case, the development curve which relates to a development parameter such as a weight parameter, volume parameter or length parameter of the animal will be practically constant in time. Only when the animal is relatively old may it be that, for example, a weight parameter or volume parameter decreases, for example because a body cell mass of the animal decreases. In the foregoing, a calf was taken as an example of an animal. However, other animals such as piglets and horses can be monitored with the same method and a same system as discussed hereinbefore.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019176 | Jul 2017 | NL | national |
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/NL2018/050129 | 3/1/2018 | WO | 00 |
